"A peaceful corner of Spain, where the old traditions still matter, and enjoying life is paramount..."
Murtas - a typical Alpujarran village, with a pace of life as fast as a tired donkey..Click on the image for more info on Murtas
MURTAS
Murtas is the local village,(click on image for more info) and you can get most top up supplies here, from one of the well-hidden shops in or just off the Church Square. A trip through its back streets - for VERY brave drivers only, we'd recommend you walk! - is to discover real village life in this part of the world.
At the top of the village, "La Murtena", selling locally produced sweets and specialities is worth a visit.
EATING OUT...
is the way of life here. You are spoilt for choice in this region - with the local "Cuatro Vientos" Bodega serving everything from local snails and of course, wonderful Jamon Serrano through to complete mixed grills of locally reared meats that you can wash down with remarkably good "Vino de la tierra" (lit. wine from the land) you really don't need to go far from Ranchito to eat extremely well.
But then you would miss the great Paellas on offer down on the Costa Tropical, just a short drive away. This is the coast the Spanish holiday at, and the variety and quality of food on offer reflects the passion they have for good food...try the "chirringuitos" (Barbeque shacks) on the promenade at La Rabita to experience Spanish al fresco dining as it should be...
If you get the chance - try the Parrillada (fish mixed grill) at the Pension in Isleta del Moro, down by Cabo de Gata. Sitting on the dockside, right next to the ocean as the lights twinkle across the bay, the spot is hard to beat....when the food arrives, make that nigh on impossible.
Jamon Serrano in an Alpujarran Bar...
La Rabita
The nearest beach to Cortijo Ranchito, an undiscovered gem - a real Spanish seaside resort, where the pace of life is truly relaxing. In summer, June - September, there is some great seafood to be had here from the "chirringuitos" (barbeque restaurants) that open for the season, right on the beach.
Promenade and Bathing Beach - La Rabita
La Rabita Beach - not quite as crowded as the "Costas"
Albunol (pronounced Albun-yol) 20 minutes down toward the coast, Albunol is another "hub town" of this region, offering everything you need with regard to shopping, medical and banking services. The main road through town doesn't show it off to its best though, and there are some enchanting nooks and crannies to be discovered, and a half hour's stroll through the back alleys is time well spent.
One of Albunol's main thoroughfares...
A pretty courtyard garden in Albunol's back alleyways...
For all the latest local information, news, weather, gossip - in fact ALL you need to know about the Alpujarras - visit www.lasalpujarras.co.uk the BEST English language site for your holiday, or relocation plans - or just to keep up to date with what's going on in the area.
